Promulgation Myths Part VI
Myth 5: Promulgation = Proselytizing
One of the most persistent and damaging myths surrounding promulgation is the belief that promulgation is synonymous with aggressive recruitment or proselytizing. This misconception often conjures images of pushy salespeople, door-to-door evangelists, or manipulative cult recruiters. However, this could not be further from the truth when it comes to the authentic and ethical promulgation practices of promulgating the Law of Thelema.
To understand why this myth is so far off the mark, we must first clearly define what promulgation means in the context of Ordo Templi Orientis:
Promulgation is the thoughtful and respectful dissemination of information about the The Law of Thelema and about the local body's existence, principles, or activities to raise public awareness.
Promulgation is about creating awareness and visibility.
Promulgation is not about convincing or coercing individuals to join our ranks.
The key difference between promulgation and proselytizing lies in the intent and approach. Aggressive recruitment tactics are often driven by a desire to increase membership at any cost; frequently employing pressure, manipulation, and other deception tactics to achieve this goal. Such methods are not only unethical but also counterproductive to the aims of O.T.O.. As far as membership goes, local bodies seek individuals who are genuinely called to the Great Work, not those who have been pressured or tricked into joining.
A conscious and ethical approach to promulgation is fundamentally different. It's rooted in the principle of attraction rather than promotion. Local bodies should aim to make their presence known and information about Thelema and the O.T.O. available to those who might sincerely be interested.
This involves:
Providing clear and accurate information about our principles and practices.
Creating opportunities for interested individuals to learn more at their own pace.
Being open to honest questions and discussions without pushing for commitment.
Respecting the autonomy and free will of every individual we encounter.
The Law is for All
This approach allows potential seekers of hidden wisdom to make informed decisions about their relationship with Thelema and whether our path aligns with their own spiritual or philosophical journey. It recognizes that the decision to accept the Law of Thelema and/or initiate into a local body is deeply personal and should be made without external pressure.
Moreover, local body promulgation efforts are not simply about attracting new members. They serve the broader purpose of educating the public about the local body, the O.T.O. in general, and the Law of Thelema. This can help dispel misconceptions, reduce stigma, and foster more openness and understanding with the greater community, even among those who may never choose to initiate.
It's important to note that while local bodies should refrain from engaging in aggressive recruitment, this doesn't mean your promulgation efforts have to be passive or ineffective. Local bodies are encouraged to be proactive in creating visibility and opportunities for engagement.
This might involve:
Hosting public lectures or workshops on topics related to our teachings.
Participating in community events or interfaith dialogs.
Maintaining an informative and accessible on-line presence.
Engaging in charitable or community service activities.
These activities allow a local body to demonstrate our values in action and provide natural opportunities for interested individuals to connect with them.
By dispelling the myth that promulgation equals aggressive recruitment, local bodies open the door to more authentic and effective ways of sharing their light with the world. Local bodies recognize that their role is not to convince anyone to join, but to be visible and available to those who are genuinely seeking what the O.T.O. and Thelema offer.
This approach not only aligns with the O.T.O.’s ethical principles but also tends to attract individuals who are more likely to resonate deeply with the work of the O.T.O. and contribute meaningfully to the local body. Thus fostering a membership based on genuine interest and alignment rather than pressure or fleeting curiosity.
QUESTIONS FOR THE LOCAL BODY
Here are four introspective questions that local bodies can ask to determine if they are at risk of believing, subconsciously, that promulgation equals aggressive recruitment. By reflecting on these questions, local bodies (and individuals) can gain insight into their own beliefs and biases regarding promulgation, allowing them to address any misconceptions they might hold.
When we hear the word "promulgation," do we immediately feel uncomfortable or defensive? If so, why?
Do we hesitate to share information about our order with potentially interested individuals out of fear of being seen as pushy?
When we imagine effective promulgation, do we envision scenarios that involve convincing or persuading others to join?
Do we feel that maintaining the secrecy or exclusivity of our order is more important than making our existence known to potential seekers?
In conclusion, true promulgation is about creating bridges of understanding and opportunity, not about building pressure tactics or sales funnels. By embracing this perspective, local bodies can engage in outreach efforts that are both effective and ethically sound, ensuring the continued vitality and integrity of our Order for generations to come.
The views expressed in this post are my personal opinions and do not reflect the official policies or positions of Ordo Templi Orientis. My statements here are solely my own and should not be construed as representing the organization or any affiliated bodies.